Chris Waller is still hopeful that Age Of Kings can return to form, even if his recent performances suggest he’s far from the horse who won at Royal Ascot.

Since his 2023 Group 3 Jersey Stakes (1408m) victory, Age Of Kings has struggled to replicate that success down under. Purchased for a tilt at the Golden Eagle, he is winless after six starts in Australia and didn’t beat a runner home in the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) first-up.

Despite those numbers, Waller believes the five-year-old has more to give once his issues—both mental and physical—are addressed.

“Age Of Kings is a work in progress,” Waller said.

“He has just lost confidence. He has got a few little issues that we are slowly getting on top of and once we get there, I’m sure he can be running in better races.”

Meanwhile, Chrysaor shapes as a more confident proposition in the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone. The returning galloper has two wins and a placing from six first-up efforts and resumed last campaign with a Listed victory at Flemington.

Chrysaor has tuned up with a pair of barrier trials and looks well suited to this assignment.

“He won at Flemington last prep first-up over 1400 metres, he has drawn well and it’s the right type of race for him,” Waller said

“He will run really well.”

Rory Hutchings takes the reins aboard Chrysaor, carrying 56kg, while Kerrin Mcevoy is booked for Age Of Kings.

Explore the top Australian betting sites for markets and odds on the Luskin Star Stakes and other Scone races this weekend.